How many times have you been asked to think about why you became a teacher in the first place? I have spent time in several professional learning sessions reflecting on this question. Teaching means everything to me. It is the most honorable profession there is. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always known I would be a teacher. Like many of you, I spent countless hours “educating” stuffed animals sitting in my bedroom. Because even then, as young as I was, I saw the value in becoming a teacher. I wanted to inspire others, make a difference, and give children tools to be successful and pursue their dreams and passions. Never in a millions years did I think teaching would come with so many challenges, negativity, and so little societal support. Growing up in Venezuela, teachers were well-respected, and everything they said was sacred. The move to teaching in the U.S. was a big adjustment that taught me it was my job to show the worth of what we do through my every day commitment to excellence. Unfortunately, all educators have had that moment when they hesitate about their profession.
Over the past five years as a school administrator, I have been fortunate to cross paths with many different educators in multiple settings. The most heart breaking part has been listening to teachers say, “I am just a teacher." My inner voice wants to scream “No! You are not just a teacher! Why would you say that?” Then, the more I heard it, the more I realized, this is how teachers feel in the new educational era. From negative headlines to low pay, large class sizes to long hours in the school, teachers face daily challenges that they overcome because of their love for those little faces that come through our doors every school year. Teachers look for ways to remain encouraged through their daily struggles. They think of that child who smiled when he/she finally understood something, or the child who was willing to help another. Teachers try their best to look for that bright spot that gives them the drive for the next day.
As a leader, keeping teachers motivated and focused to continue their efforts to build students up and help them reach their highest potential can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. With the current climate surrounding education, it is becoming harder and harder to find teachers and keep new teachers in our schools. It is our responsibility to build efficacy and capacity among the newest members of our school communities. We must grow these educators and provide them with the tools to stay in our schools and do this difficult, yet rewarding job.
For beginning teachers, the task can be daunting. Many of them want to be leaders and support school initiatives, but they also feel they are not ready. We must guide them into becoming teacher leaders. Teacher leadership starts from within. Help them pursue their destiny to be the leaders they are meant to be. Below are some characteristics you can build or enhance for your beginning teachers (and even all your teachers) so they can begin their path to leadership:
1. C.E.O: Empower them to set the tone and the vision for their classroom. This will outline the path of success of their teaching and learning. Guide them to take charge for managing the day-to-day operations of the classroom, while making the best decisions to ensure students’ success and positive outcomes.
2. Partner/Collaborator: Create venues for teachers to collaborate, share ideas and talk with other teachers in and out of their grade level/content area. Connect teachers with other members of a learning community to establish their “network” to increase student learning and achievement. These partnerships will provide them with additional strategies and resources to have in their “toolbox” to become better educators.
3. Content Expert: Assign your teachers to professional learning opportunities that will increase their knowledge of their subject area(s). Afford them time to go and see expert teachers so they can read and enhance their expertise on the content and how to deliver it best.
4. Voice: Give your teachers a voice. Talk to them and ask them how they are doing and what they need. Check on them, but do not stop there. Seek their input. They have ideas, suggestions and a fresh perspective on teaching and learning. Help them see that their opinions and thoughts are valuable and they are key part of the team.
5. Reflection: The more reflective you are, the more effective you are. Offer opportunities for teachers to reflect on their practice, their lessons, their interactions with students, data, etc. Ask your teachers to send you notes at the end of the week on how their lesson plans worked and what adjustments they need to make to instruction. Any way you can get them to sit and reflect will make them more skilled so they can make modifications during instruction.
These steps will take new teachers, and even seasoned teachers, to their leadership destiny!
Leaders, I urge you to build your teachers up. Every time you interact with teachers, make sure the message is different. Show teachers that they are valuable.
Teachers… YOU MATTER!!! As a mom, I respect that you teach my son all the math, reading, science, social studies, etc., and am amazed that you have time to also instill character, values, empowerment, and courage into them! As a community member, I need YOU! I need you to work with me to build the future and progress of our community... all those doctors, lawyers, future teachers, technicians, builders, custodians, salespeople and many other professionals who will better our community! As an administrator, I cannot lead my school without you! You are essential to grow our students and improve our school. Never allow the outside voices to deter you from what you came to do! Remember that not everyone can teach, but YOU can!
As a leader, keeping teachers motivated and focused to continue their efforts to build students up and help them reach their highest potential can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. With the current climate surrounding education, it is becoming harder and harder to find teachers and keep new teachers in our schools. It is our responsibility to build efficacy and capacity among the newest members of our school communities. We must grow these educators and provide them with the tools to stay in our schools and do this difficult, yet rewarding job.
For beginning teachers, the task can be daunting. Many of them want to be leaders and support school initiatives, but they also feel they are not ready. We must guide them into becoming teacher leaders. Teacher leadership starts from within. Help them pursue their destiny to be the leaders they are meant to be. Below are some characteristics you can build or enhance for your beginning teachers (and even all your teachers) so they can begin their path to leadership:
1. C.E.O: Empower them to set the tone and the vision for their classroom. This will outline the path of success of their teaching and learning. Guide them to take charge for managing the day-to-day operations of the classroom, while making the best decisions to ensure students’ success and positive outcomes.
2. Partner/Collaborator: Create venues for teachers to collaborate, share ideas and talk with other teachers in and out of their grade level/content area. Connect teachers with other members of a learning community to establish their “network” to increase student learning and achievement. These partnerships will provide them with additional strategies and resources to have in their “toolbox” to become better educators.
3. Content Expert: Assign your teachers to professional learning opportunities that will increase their knowledge of their subject area(s). Afford them time to go and see expert teachers so they can read and enhance their expertise on the content and how to deliver it best.
4. Voice: Give your teachers a voice. Talk to them and ask them how they are doing and what they need. Check on them, but do not stop there. Seek their input. They have ideas, suggestions and a fresh perspective on teaching and learning. Help them see that their opinions and thoughts are valuable and they are key part of the team.
5. Reflection: The more reflective you are, the more effective you are. Offer opportunities for teachers to reflect on their practice, their lessons, their interactions with students, data, etc. Ask your teachers to send you notes at the end of the week on how their lesson plans worked and what adjustments they need to make to instruction. Any way you can get them to sit and reflect will make them more skilled so they can make modifications during instruction.
These steps will take new teachers, and even seasoned teachers, to their leadership destiny!
Leaders, I urge you to build your teachers up. Every time you interact with teachers, make sure the message is different. Show teachers that they are valuable.
Teachers… YOU MATTER!!! As a mom, I respect that you teach my son all the math, reading, science, social studies, etc., and am amazed that you have time to also instill character, values, empowerment, and courage into them! As a community member, I need YOU! I need you to work with me to build the future and progress of our community... all those doctors, lawyers, future teachers, technicians, builders, custodians, salespeople and many other professionals who will better our community! As an administrator, I cannot lead my school without you! You are essential to grow our students and improve our school. Never allow the outside voices to deter you from what you came to do! Remember that not everyone can teach, but YOU can!
Jusmar Maness is the principal of Southern Guilford Middle School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
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